Speech by SCST at 37th International Travel Expo and 18th MICE Travel Expo opening ceremony (English only)
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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the 37th International Travel Expo and the 18th MICE Travel Expo opening ceremony today (June 15):
Mr Tong (Founder and Managing Director of TKS Exhibition Services, Mr KS Tong), distinguished guests, Consuls-General, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great honour joining you all again for the opening ceremony of the International Travel Expo (ITE) and MICE Travel Expo twin shows. May I first extend a very warm welcome to you all. Your presence here today clearly underlines that Hong Kong is back – back to the world stage, bringing opportunities with the world.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to KS for successfully bringing the twin shows back to their pre-pandemic grandeur. Today we have over 400 exhibitors from some 50 countries and regions, and the shows are set to attract more than 60 000 visitors. Our key partners in the travel trade are making the best use of this first forum in Hong Kong after the pandemic to reconnect, revive business, and reveal their exciting offerings, with the theme of “Onward to Full Recovery” of the shows.
The recovery of the tourism industry is evident from the upsurge in visitor arrivals since our full resumption of normal travel with the Mainland and the rest of the world. We recorded a visitor arrival of over 2.8 million last month, and since the beginning of the year, we have had over 10 million visitor arrivals.
To keep this momentum going, the Government, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and our partners in the tourism sector, will continue to strengthen our promotion under the “Hello Hong Kong” Campaign and to extend our heart-warming welcome to visitors which include distribution of 500 000 free air tickets and a million “Hong Kong Goodies” visitor consumption vouchers.
This year, we are also hosting and supporting a series of large-scale events in Hong Kong, ranging from arts and culture to sports and entertainment such as the first-ever annual Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, Hong Kong Cyclothon and Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. In the next weekend (June 24 and 25), we will be receiving the participating teams and audience to the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races after a four-year hiatus. Meanwhile, we are deploying additional resources to attract more MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) events and international cruise lines to come to Hong Kong. New tourism offerings are also coming on stream. For example, later this year we will be welcoming the world’s first Frozen-themed area at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the launch of the next phase of the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival and the next edition of Design District Hong Kong.
We are also looking into opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). In fulfilling Hong Kong’s role as an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism, we are working together with our friends in the GBA, many of them are present here today, in establishing a coherent tourism brand for the GBA and promoting multi-destination tourism to different source markets. With the full support of our nation, I am confident that Hong Kong will bring a positive impact on developing the GBA into a world-class bay area for leisure. Looking ahead, we will actively align ourselves with national development strategies and integrate into overall development of our nation.
Ladies and gentlemen, the path towards recovery is surely not without challenges. But do rest assured that the Government will continue to provide the necessary support to the industry to boost the momentum of revival. I am confident that with the concerted efforts of the Government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, our industry and the community at large, we would rise above the challenges and march into an even brighter future together.
In closing, I wish the ITE and MICE twin shows another year of great success and the best of business. For those who are visiting Hong Kong, I wish you all a fruitful and an enjoyable stay in this world city of Asia. Thank you!
May 2, 2023 | International
“Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” open for application from June 1
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today (May 1) the implementation arrangements of “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” (the Scheme).
Upon the agreement between the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, the Scheme will be open for application from eligible Hong Kong private cars from 9am on June 1 this year. Approved Hong Kong private cars will be allowed to travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) starting from 0.00am on July 1.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his gratitude for the staunch support of the Central Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in taking forward and realising the Scheme which will inject further impetus for growth in the economic, trade, social and cultural links between Hong Kong and Guangdong.
“The Scheme provides a convenient way for Hong Kong citizens to self-drive to Guangdong via the HZMB for business, visiting families or sight-seeing on a short-term basis, thereby embracing the opportunities brought by the HZMB and facilitating further connection among cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Scheme also marks another important milestone in the economic integration and development of the GBA,” Mr Lee said.
The Guangdong Provincial Government has announced today the regulations for the Scheme, including detailed eligibility requirements of applicants, vehicles and drivers, permissible duration of stay in Guangdong, insurance requirements, vehicle examination, procedures and formalities and penal mechanisms. For details, please refer to the official website of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province.
To ensure that the Scheme is implemented in an orderly manner, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong agreed to set a cap on the number of applications to be accepted, which will be allocated through computer balloting, at the initial stage of launching the Scheme. Upon the application commencement, 200 applications will be accepted per working day in the first week, followed by 300 applications to be accepted per working day from the second week onwards. The application situation will be reviewed and the number of applications to be accepted will be increased progressively. Applicants will need to first register for computer balloting through the designated website of the Scheme (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). The first round of ballot registration is from May 29 to 30, and the result will be released on May 31. Successful applicants of balloting can submit applications for the Scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by computer system starting from 9am on June 1.
For those interested in applying for the Scheme, after submitting the application, they should allow time for completing various relevant procedures in accordance with the requirements of the Mainland departments. Major application procedures include:
- applicants should submit applications for the Scheme through an online platform to obtain the licences of the two places. Drivers under the Scheme should obtain both Hong Kong and Mainland driving licences of private cars. Currently, the arrangement of direct issue of driving licences between Mainland and Hong Kong has been in place. Hong Kong driving licence holders who want to obtain Mainland driving licence may complete the relevant procedures in person in advance via the licensing counters of vehicle management office of traffic management department of public security organs above the prefecture level in Guangdong;
- applicants should drive their vehicles to the designated vehicle examination premises in Hong Kong for vehicle examination. There is no need to visit the Mainland for vehicle examination;
- as for insurance, the regulatory authorities of Hong Kong and the Mainland have reached consensus on the “unilateral recognition” arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance. Owners of Hong Kong vehicles can take out “unilateral recognition” insurance policies issued by Hong Kong insurance companies which fulfill relevant requirements, such that there is no need to separately purchase Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles of the Mainland; and
- upon completion of the application procedures in accordance with the requirements and approval, applicants will receive the relevant licences issued by the Transport Department (TD) of Hong Kong and the Mainland departments.
To ensure better northbound travel experience for the approved applicants, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have also agreed to set a daily cap on the number of northbound vehicles. Applicants who have obtained the relevant licences for the Scheme from the TD and the Mainland departments may book for travelling within a designated period in the subsequent month via the online booking system starting from the middle of each month. Subject to the number of booking, there may be a need to allocate designated dates for northbound vehicles through computing balloting. If the number of applications has not reached its cap, applicants may make the booking via the system on a first-come-first-served basis. More details about the northbound travel booking system will be announced on the webpage of the TD in due course.
As for the specific details of eligibility criteria, application methods and procedures, as well as information about northbound travel, please refer to the designated webpage of the Scheme. As regards the “unilateral recognition” insurance arrangement, please refer to the information published by the Insurance Authority and the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers.
The State Council has announced the customs guarantee-free policy for eligible Hong Kong private cars under the Scheme in November last year. The policy will allow Hong Kong private cars participating in the Scheme to be exempted from paying customs duties or applying for guarantee arrangements with Mainland customs, thereby simplifying the relevant application procedures and reducing the handling fees. The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will closely monitor and review the application and implementation situation of the Scheme, with a view to enhancing the application procedures and providing convenience to members of the public.
Apr 20, 2023 | Business
Karan Morrow, CEO and professional travel advisor with Where2Next? Travel, LLC (www.where2nexttravel.co), will be interviewed as a guest speaker on Meet the Elite Podcast on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 2:07 p.m. EDT in a live interview.
The job of a professional travel advisor is an important one. Travelers can benefit from the help of travel advisors now more than ever. “I work with discerning clients to create an experiential Life List journey, from over the top honeymoons and destination proposals to expedition adventures and world circumnavigation journeys by luxury cruise or private jet,” says Morrow.
Morrow has worked as a professional travel advisor for fifteen (15) years, specializing in bespoke individual, couples’ romance, and small group leisure itineraries for the urbane luxury traveler. Morrow is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA), the Association of Black Travel Professionals (ABTP), and is accredited by the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN). Morrow holds certifications as a Scootaround Certified Blue Star Advisor and Special Needs Group Accessible Travel Advocate™. Morrow’s clients have been on travel experiences from the California wineries and the plains and deserts of the African continent, to the St. Petersburg Winter Palace and many destinations in between.
“Being able to speak to a global audience about how the travel industry has changed and is changing from my frame of reference as an experienced travel professional is a wonderful privilege,” says Morrow. “My overall goal is to show the value of the travel advisor’s role in travel planning, and to let travelers know that their best time investment when planning their travel, whether now or in the future, is to use a professional travel advisor. We have the knowledge, expertise and advocacy in place to assist travelers, and are savers of their valuable time and travel spend.”
To book your private luxury travel experience, contact Morrow at luxury@where2nexttravel.co.
About Meet the Elite Podcast
Meet the Elite Podcast, a subsidiary of All Entertainment Media Group, has given away tens of thousands of free podcasts to promising small business owners. They have announced this tradition will continue to give back and provide much-needed support for business owners without the deep pockets necessary for such high-level marketing in the modern world. “Our goal is to empower the small business owner to achieve success beyond their wildest dreams,” explains Jeff Burton, Co-Founder and CEO. “Free podcasts are just our way of giving back.”
Meet the Elite Podcast’s mission is to leverage their partnership with the largest streaming services in the world – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Radio.com, Deezer, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and PlayerFM to give businesses an unparalleled global reach that no one else in the podcast industry offers. Meet the Elite assists the small business owners of the world to exceed their goals both professionally and financially. They want to get the word out, drum up conversations, and get people engaged with a business and its mission.
Information on Meet the Elite Podcast’s commitment to free marketing opportunities for small business owners can be found at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-the-elite-podcast-doubles-down-on-its-commitment-to-deliver-free-marketing-opportunities-to-small-business-owners-301757088.html.
For more information about Meet the Elite Podcast, visit https://mtefm.com/about or listen to live podcasts at https://mtefm.com/studio-1.
Mar 8, 2023 | Business
The Web Marketing Association is looking for the best travel sites in the world as part of their 27th annual international WebAward Competition for Website development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 86 industries, including travel, airline and hotel & lodging websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful website. The deadline for the best travel websites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2023.
“Excellence deserves recognition and the travel industry is very competitive when it comes to Web development,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “The travel industry has been transformed by the Internet and travel websites have been doing a great job keeping up with the shift in the industry that removed agents as the source of travel information. Judges have looked highly upon travel website’s use of design, copywriting and interactivity.”
Websites are judged on seven criteria including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Each WebAward entry in the Travel category is judged against other travel entries and then against an overall standard of excellence.
All travel entrants benefit from receiving valuable feedback in terms of their specific criteria scores compared against the average scores for their industry. They also may receive specific comments from the WebAward’s professional judging panel on their website development efforts.
Winners of a WebAward in the travel categories will also receive:
· Handsome statue or certificate of achievement
· A limited-edition Commemorative NFT
· Increased visibility for their company
· Marketing opportunity to promote the company website to the media
· Links to your site from the highly ranked WebAward site to help SEO
· A highlight for your resume.
· Admiration of peers, friends and co-workers
· Unlimited bragging rights
Each year, the Web Marketing Association names the Best of Industry for the various travel categories based on the score they receive from the WebAward judges.
Winners of the Best Travel Website include:
§ 2022 – Louisiana Office of Tourism and Miles Partnership for Louisiana Byways
§ 2021 – Reichl und Partner eMarketing GmbH for Simon’s Best Travel GMBH WEBSITE
§ 2020 – 4 Roads for Natural World Safaris
§ 2019 – VERB Interactive for VBT
§ 2018 – Visit Huntington Beach for Surf City USA
§ 2017 – Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Miles Partnership for Pure Michigan’s New Leisure Website
§ 2016 – Experience Grand Rapids for Experience Grand Rapids Website
§ 2015 – TripCreator ehf. for TripCreator.com
§ 2014 – USDM for Colorado Springs
§ 2013 – Pixo Punch Limited for Hong Kong Summer Spectacular Campaign
§ 2012 – Boyd Gaming Corporation for B Connected Online
§ 2011 – Civic Resource Group for Wyoming Travel and Tourism Web Portal and Online Management System
§ 2010 – TravelChannel.com & Razorfish for The New TravelChannel.com
§ 2009 – VisitSweden for VisitSweden
§ 2008 – Teehan+Lax Inc for AirMiles Make Like Miles
§ 2007 – Arnold Worldwide for Hungry Suitcase
§ 2006 – Hospitality eBusiness Strategies for RIU Cancun Portal
§ 2005 – Yellowstone Journal Corporation for YellowstonePark.com
2004 – Quicksilver Associates for Seabourn Cruise Line
2003 – Apollo Interactive for Excalibur Las Vegas Resort Hotel & Casino
2002 – Arnold Worldwide for Alaska
Winners of the Best Airline Website include:
2022 – FirmStudio & Greater Bay Airlines for Greater Bay Airlines Corporate Website
2019 – Origo for Cabo Verde Airlines
2018 – FINE for XOJET
2016 – SapientNitro & China Airlines for China Airline Website Re-design
2015 – DigitasLBi for Virgin Atlantic Airways
2014 – Icelandair & TM Software for Icelandair
2013 – ROKKAN for JetBlue
2011 – Carlson Marketing for JetBlue – “TrueBlue Be True”
2010 – Lufthansa in partnership with Amadeus for Lufthansa in partnership with Amadeus
2009 – Blast Advanced Media for Nature Air – Eco Friendly Costa Rica Airline
2008 – Atmosphere BBDO for emirates.com
2007 – Cramer-Krasselt for AirTran Raceway
2006 – TM Interactive for American Airlines – We Know Why You Fly
2005 – TM Interactive for We Know Why You Fly
2004 – Cramer-Krasselt for AirTran Airways – E-Annual 2003
2003 – Agence Braque for Jetsgo
Winners of the Best Hotel & Lodging Website include:
§ 2022 – Evans Hotels for CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA
§ 2021 – UP Hotel Agency for THE HARI
§ 2020 – UP Hotel Internet Marketing for Maison Panthere
§ 2019 – UP Hotel Internet Marketing for Qbic (2019 Best of Show)
§ 2018 – TravelClick, Inc. for Thistle Hotels
§ 2017 – [D³] Digital Design + Development for Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – At The Center of Extraordinary (2017 Best of Show)
§ 2016 – HeBS Digital for Tsogo Sun
§ 2015 – HeBS Digital for Red Lion Hotels Website
§ 2014 – Forte Village Resort for Forte Village
§ 2013 – HeBS Digital for Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
§ 2012 – TravelClick Web Solutions for Puente Romano
§ 2011 – Sabre Hospitality Solutions for The Shores Resort & Spa
§ 2010 – TravelCLICK for Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel
§ 2009 – TravelCLICK for the Albert Hotel
§ 2008 – E-site Marketing for Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
§ 2007 – Cendyn for Stonewall Resort
§ 2006 – T3 (The Think Tank) for ExperienceMarriott.com
§ 2005 – Open World, LTD for WARWICK International Hotels
§ 2004 – Interactive Sites for The New York Palace website
§ 2003 – Open World Limited for Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts
§ 2002 – FreeRun Technologies for Simpson House Inn
Travel Websites can be entered into consideration for the 2023 Best Travel Website WebAward at the WebAward Website.
The 2023 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: PR.com, iContact, and eTailConferences. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.
About the WebAwards
The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help define the standard of excellence for online marketing. Our internationally known award programs, such as WebAward Competition for Website Development, Internet Advertising Competition and the MobileWebAwards, recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing the most effective online marketing programs on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from assessment of their marketing efforts by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented by being recognized as an award-winning web developer.
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